Al Strong

Jazz

Al Strong is a Washington, D.C. native trumpeter, arranger, and composer. Since he first emerged on the scene in 1998 as a Jazz Studies major at North Carolina Central University, Strong has been an emerging artist in jazz. He has been described as being “among those leading Durham jazz into a resurgence.” (The Independent – Sylvia Pfeiffenberger). He is an integral figure in the current local jazz scene having performed/recorded for local artists such as Aretha Franklin, Phonte Coleman, Mavis Swan Poole, Yahzarah, Peter Lamb and the Wolves (Voted 2011 & 2012 Best Jazz Band in the Triangle), Clay Aiken, Big Daddy Kane, Orquesta Gardel, The Beast, Old Ceremony, and the comedian SinBad. Strong is a current assistant professor at Saint Augustine’s University as well as an adjunct professor at the widely acclaimed North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Jazz Studies program. Strong is also a founder of the non-profit jazz advocacy organization, The Art of Cool Project.